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[ LETTER ]

Everyone's Entitled to Opinions

Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 8:23 p.m.

In reference to Martha M. Sherouse's letter to the editor, be advised, Ms. Sherouse, that it is the Lakeland Police Department ["Legislators, Sheriff's Office Should Stay Out Of LPD Reformation," July 17]. It is not the Lisa Womack, Gow Fields, Doug Thomas or anyone else's police department.

Representatives, residents and anyone who maintains a presence in the city has a right, if not an obligation, to weigh in on the issues of public service. An argument could be made that anyone who regularly travels the city streets has a vested interest in all aspects of maintenance and policing thereon.

Furthermore, Sheriff Grady Judd has been uncharacteristically quiet concerning the issues at LPD. The only thing I am aware of is that when asked, he said he would help if needed. He also implied that support for intervention would have to be unanimous among the city leaders.

I fear that Ms. Sherouse's confidence in Chief Womack is undeserved. Perhaps, if we were talking about Chief Jane Castor from Tampa, I could agree that the situation could be reversed. However, Ms Womack's woes grow worse every day.

Concerning State Attorney Jerry Hill's fairness, he has a job to do and he has done it well for quite a while. Mr. Hill relies on law enforcement to give him the tools to prosecute criminals. Lacking reliable information and testimony, his job becomes impossible. As for his letters being released to the press, I consider that a laudable "government in the sunshine" practice. The public has a right to know why criminals are not being convicted of their crimes.

Election time will be here soon and we will have an opportunity to endorse the people and positions we support and remove any roadblocks to progress. I hope you are taking notes, I sure am.

<p>In reference to Martha M. Sherouse's letter to the editor, be advised, Ms. Sherouse, that it is the Lakeland Police Department ["Legislators, Sheriff's Office Should Stay Out Of LPD Reformation," July 17]. It is not the Lisa Womack, Gow Fields, Doug Thomas or anyone else's police department.</p><p>Representatives, residents and anyone who maintains a presence in the city has a right, if not an obligation, to weigh in on the issues of public service. An argument could be made that anyone who regularly travels the city streets has a vested interest in all aspects of maintenance and policing thereon.</p><p>Furthermore, Sheriff Grady Judd has been uncharacteristically quiet concerning the issues at LPD. The only thing I am aware of is that when asked, he said he would help if needed. He also implied that support for intervention would have to be unanimous among the city leaders.</p><p>I fear that Ms. Sherouse's confidence in Chief Womack is undeserved. Perhaps, if we were talking about Chief Jane Castor from Tampa, I could agree that the situation could be reversed. However, Ms Womack's woes grow worse every day.</p><p>Concerning State Attorney Jerry Hill's fairness, he has a job to do and he has done it well for quite a while. Mr. Hill relies on law enforcement to give him the tools to prosecute criminals. Lacking reliable information and testimony, his job becomes impossible. As for his letters being released to the press, I consider that a laudable "government in the sunshine" practice. The public has a right to know why criminals are not being convicted of their crimes.</p><p>Election time will be here soon and we will have an opportunity to endorse the people and positions we support and remove any roadblocks to progress. I hope you are taking notes, I sure am.</p><p>H. HJORTH HARVILLE</p><p>Lakeland</p>